hardTwisty Mountain RoadBest: Spring / Summer

Tail of the Dragon

The legendary 318 curves in 11 miles through the Great Smoky Mountains. A thrilling, technical ride that every motorcyclist should experience at least once.

From

Deals Gap, NC

Tabcat Creek, TN

Distance

18.00 km

Est. Time

~0.5 hours

Rating

4.5(2)

Rider Notes

No passing zones throughout. Watch for debris in corners. Ride within your limits — this road demands respect. The Tree of Shame is real.

Route Waypoints

Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort

Rest Stop0.00 km from start

Starting point. Grab a photo by the sign.

Start at Deals Gap on US-129Road: Good

The Tree of Shame

Scenic2.00 km from start

Collection of parts from crashes. A sobering reminder.

Just past the resortRoad: Good

Gravity Cavity

Waypoint8.00 km from start

Famous dip in the road. Keep speed controlled.

Midway through the DragonRoad: Good - technical

Calderwood Dam Overlook

Scenic15.00 km from start

Scenic overlook of the lake and dam.

Near the end of the DragonRoad: Good

Tabcat Creek

Destination18.00 km from start

End of the Dragon. Turn around or continue to Robbinsville.

US-129 straightens outRoad: Good

Rider Feedback(2)

Dave T.

Rode on August 10, 2025

Pure adrenaline! 318 curves of perfection. Go early on a weekday to avoid traffic. Absolutely lived up to the hype.

Road Conditions

Perfect condition. No debris when I rode it.

Chris M.

Rode on October 28, 2025

Incredible road but ride within your limits. Saw two close calls with oncoming traffic cutting corners. Respect the double yellow.